Renowned editor Graydon Carter has made a bold move in the world of publishing by opening a new retail venture in Manhattan’s West Village. The new shop, Air Mail Newsstand, is an extension of the digital newsletter Air Mail, which Carter co-founded in 2019 with Alessandra Stanley.
Located on Hudson Street, the Air Mail Newsstand offers a carefully curated selection of books, high-end magazines, and unique novelties that cater to an urbane crowd. From brass shoehorns to palm-tree-patterned lampshades, the merchandise is designed to appeal to the discerning tastes of the Village’s readers.
While some may be surprised by Carter’s foray into retail, he sees it as a natural extension of publishing. “In a magazine, you can’t just sell ideas,” Carter explained. “You want to help the reader find the book you recommend or the TV show you’re writing about.”
The shop itself is a stylish space with honey-oak floors, brass finishings, and a mirrored bar serving tangy coffee. Designed by architect Basil Walter, who also worked on Carter’s Waverly Inn restaurant, the space exudes sophistication and charm.
Despite the challenges facing print magazines and traditional newsstands, Carter remains optimistic about the future of print. While Air Mail has primarily been a digital publication, Carter hinted at the possibility of print versions in the future. “We love print, obviously,” he said. “We’ll do print at some point.”
As he sat at a table in the rear of the shop, Carter showcased some of the unique items available at Air Mail Newsstand, including a sleek tape recorder that can connect to a smartphone. With his passion for shopping and eye for quality products, Carter is determined to make Air Mail Newsstand a success in the ever-evolving world of publishing and retail.
